League close points loophole

09 June 2007 02:13

The Football League has closed a loophole preventing clubs who enter administration from potentially avoiding a ten-point penalty deduction.
Leeds United successfully avoided starting next season with the penalty after entering administration just days after being relegated from the Championship.
Due to the timing of their action, Leeds' ten-point penalty was imposed on this season's total meaning they will start next season's League One campaign on the zero points mark.
However, the Football League has confirmed that any club going into administration after the fourth Thursday in March will have their ten-point deduction suspended.
If the club is relegated the points will be deducted from their tally at the start of next season, but if they stay up the ten points will be taken off their final total.
"I am delighted that clubs have backed their board so strongly on this issue," revealed Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney.
"The changes we have made today enable the League's 'Sporting Sanctions' regulations to remain true to their original aim."